Electrical Engineering student working on a project
BB-CENEXM

Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy

Bachelor double degree

Gain the specialist science and engineering skills for careers in plant design, development, operations and control, management and research.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 80
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)
  • Duration

    Duration

    5 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    1000
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    043753C
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline

Outline

Outline

Chemical engineering uses chemistry, physics and mathematics to convert raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms; and extractive metallurgy is involved in plant design, development, operations and control, management and research.

In this course, you will explore the development, design and operation of processes for the extraction, conversion and recovery of materials. You'll study minerals processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy; and, following your Engineering Foundation Year, you’ll specialise in biosystems engineering, chemical engineering or oil and gas.

This course also covers environmental considerations and mine finance and management.

You'll also complete at least 12 weeks of exposure to professional engineering practice.

What jobs can the Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy course lead to?

Careers

  • Chemical engineer
  • Metallurgist
  • Process engineer
  • Process metallurgist
  • Production/operations engineer
  • Plant metallurgist
  • Risk and safety manager

Industries

  • Mining
  • Energy and energy storage
  • Bioengineering and biotechnology
  • Agrochemical
  • Food processing
  • Mineral and material processing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Semiconductor
  • Biomass and sugar refining
  • Cement and lime production
  • Industrial and fine chemical production
  • Petrochemical and polymer production
  • Paper and board manufacture
  • Water and wastewater treatment

Further study

  • Metallurgist
  • Chemical Engineer

What you'll learn

  • apply scientific, process and metallurgical engineering principles to process engineering design and development, including sound risk management, environmental and occupational health and safety practice
  • think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum solutions
  • identify, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources to optimise process engineering design and development
  • communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose
  • use appropriate information, process and metallurgical technologies (recognising their advantages and limitations) in the design and development of sustainable process systems
  • engage in continuous education, training and research, and take control of their own learning and development
  • recognise and apply international standards and best practice in process and metallurgical engineering
  • demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
  • be ‘career ready’ for the process engineering profession, demonstrate leadership qualities, and work ethically and professionally both within a team and independently

Why study Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy

Industry immersion

Experience Curtin’s world-renowned WA School of Mines, in the heart of Western Australia’s Goldfields region.

Career-focused facilities

Experience our purpose-designed Engineering Pavilion, studio and project rooms.

Industry accreditation

Accredited by Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and recognised internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and recognised internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 80

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 80

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    To meet the entry criteria with VET studies you need to have:

    1. Advanced Diploma of Engineering (2 years)

        or

        Curtin College Diploma of Engineering

    2. Met the subject prerequisites  

    Note: prerequisites can be met via specific modules completed within the Advanced Diploma/ Diploma or by ATAR subjects (or equivalent)

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 80

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Attained an ATAR of 80 or above

    or


    Completed 200 credit points in the Indigenous Pre-Science and Engineering Enabling Course

    or

    Completed a total 100 credit points with at least 75 credit points completed in the semester prior to course switching in the Bachelor of Science (Multidisciplinary Science) or another Curtin undergraduate course

    or

    Completed a total 100 credit points with at least part-time enrolment of 50 credits in the two continuing semesters prior to course switching in the Bachelor of Science (Multidisciplinary Science) or another Curtin undergraduate course

  2. Met Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
  3. Met one of the following prerequisites (or equivalent): Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR
  4. Achieved an academic status of Good Standing.

Prerequisite Information

The Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit:

MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1016 Calculus 1

The Physics ATAR prerequisite can be met with the following Curtin unit:
PHYS1006  Foundation of Physics

The Chemistry ATAR prerequisite can be met with the following Curtin units:
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry

Note - CHEM1003 does not meet Chemistry ATAR prerequisite; but is required in BEng(Hons) for students without Chemistry ATAR background.

An academic status of Good Standing will be expected for approval of admission through course switching.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education provider, you need to have:

  1. A minimum ATAR/ Selection Rank of 80
    Note: Selection Ranks are assessed based on your tertiary studies

  2. Met Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
  3. Met one of the following prerequisites (or equivalent): Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR 
  4. Achieved an academic status of Good Standing.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 80

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$10,200*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

2025 Fee year:

$8,100*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: BB-CENEXM
  • CRICOS code: 043753C
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2024

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